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January 26, 2008
Dear NYS OSIA President Nancy DiFiori Quinn, National and State Officers, Lodge Presidents, Sisters and Brothers: We extend greetings on behalf of the New York State Commission for Social Justice, and express our appreciation to the Marco Polo Lodge No. 2214, for their generosity and hospitality today. The CSJ is continually pursuing our expanded goals of fighting bias, bigotry and discrimination against Italians and Italian Americans by sending out many letters addressing negative advertising, stereotyping and other forms of bigotry. We don’t always receive responses to our complaints, but we must continue to make our feelings known, whenever a bias situation arises. Many times, the persons involved are not really aware that they are being offensive. We have attended meetings and events, whereby we have been able to distribute our positive image material. We continue to make a constant effort to provide information on the many accomplishments of Italians and Italian Americans. We are presently working on new and innovative positive image material. We thank the National and State Officers, Lodge Presidents and our sisters and brothers of the Order, for their constant support, both financially and with their presence at our fundraising events. Your generous donations, during the year and at convention, help us to carry out the work of the CSJ, and enable us to continue to create and disseminate positive image materials. Always remember that if you're a member of OSIA, you're also a member of the CSJ.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Stella Grillo NYS CSJ President
Our goals of fighting bias, bigotry and discrimination against Italians and Italian Americans and promoting a positive image of Americans of Italian descent are accomplished through our Complaint Directory, our many programs including the Medal of Honor, the Holocaust Memorial Program, our video-documentary “Italian American Recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor,” positive image materials, speaking engagements, and the publication of our CSJ newspaper Justice. We underscore the importance of retaining and supporting our present CSJ members as a high priority.
Sister Nancy DiFiore Quinn, NYS President advised us of a grant proposal submitted by Carmela Ottaviano, to enable her to develop an Italian Language program at St. Finbar’s Elementary School in Brooklyn, NY. The program would offer Italian Language studies, as part of the school curriculum for grades K through 8. At the suggestion of Sister Nancy, this grant proposal was researched and the program was found to be very credible. The principal at St. Finbar’s was very enthusiastic about including Italian Language studies in the school. The grant included teacher’s salaries, books and supplies. After a meeting called by Sister Nancy, Sal Lanzilotta, Joseph DiTrapani, Stella Grillo, Sylvia Summa and John Dabbene, it was agreed that the OSIA Foundation and the CSJ would fund the program by each donating $1,000. to cover cost of books and supplies. Part of the mission of the Order is to preserve our Italian Language. The CSJ had labels printed to be placed in the books, indicating that they had been donated by the NYS OSIA Foundation, the NYS Commission for Social Justice and the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum. On December 18, 2007, Sister Nancy, First Gent John Quinn, Stella Grillo, John Dabbene and Sylvia Summa visited St. Finbar’s, met with Carmela Ottaviano, Principal, Rosina Panetta-Katsoulis, Italian language teachers and were delighted by the children singing in Italian and answering our questions in Italian. Carmela was presented with two checks for $l,000. each and the labels for the books. The children and their teachers were very enthusiastic about this program. Since that time, I have had several emails from Carmela, who is disabled from multiple sclerosis and is wheel-chair bound, but this has not hampered her determination to continue to develop this program. CSJ has since sent material in the form of posters and bookmarks to enhance the Italian Culture program. As part of our positive image program, the CSJ formed a committee, for the purpose of managing as a project, “Promotion of the Italian Language.” We plan to monitor the program in place at St. Finbar’s, possibly using it as a pilot program. There are presently many Italian Language programs in place, for children and adults, either on weekends or after school. However, we plan to establish a budget to fund in part, Italian Language studies, offered as part of a student’s in-school curriculum. We hope to find an elementary school in each district to participate in this program.
We have been contacted by members on various occasions, requesting CSJ intervention on an issue of bias and/or bigotry against Italian –Americans. We try to respond to every issue brought to our attention. It would be most helpful if you provide us with the TV or radio station, date and time of the program, and as much information as possible so that we can properly respond to the issue. On several occasions, we have received an irate email asking why we haven’t handled a complaint. Upon investigation, it was found that the complaint was made to another party and was never related to us. We have also received email asking us to handle an issue that occurred several months ago. By the time we looked into the matter, it was no longer an issue. After much discussion concerning the handling of complaints, at the suggestion Michael Santo, we have drafted guidelines for this purpose.
Beyond Wise-guys: Italian Americans and the Movies," is a 58 minute documentary film dedicated to surveying the Italian American presence in films, produced by Roseanne DeLuca Braun, with John Turturro sharing producer credits. About 6 years ago, the New York CSJ was approached by Ms. Braun for assistance in funding this project. Being assured that Italians would be portrayed in a positive light, the CSJ agreed. This film was recently completed and shown to the public, at the Kaufman Theatre in Astoria, NY and Cinema Arts Theatre in Huntington, NY. Several CSJ members viewed the film and the consensus of opinion is that it really did not take us beyond the “Wiseguys” stereotyping. The film lacked positive image substance and merely showed that Italian American life, that is, "the mobster persona" is part of the Italian American experience. The documentary included a series of film clips and interviews with actors, writers, directors and others connected with the movie industry. Italian-Americans have been portrayed as “thugs” in the early silent movies and little has changed. This film offers no resolution to the problem of how Italians are perceived in today's social and economic order. Our own, Dr. Salvatore LaGumina was quoted in the film. Most of our members viewed the film at the Cinema Arts Theatre. I saw it at the Kaufman Theatre in Astoria, NY, where it was presented by John Turturro. In a panel discussion after the film, he expressed his dissatisfaction with the facts that criminal characters were most often stereotypical of Italian Heritage, with Italian names. He had written, directed and produced a positive image film entitled “Mac” several years ago. He also does not accept “Wiseguy” roles. We are looking for a sequel to this documentary that will show how the movie industry has actually gone “Beyond Wise-guys.”
On Sunday, February 24, 2008, at our 28th Annual CSJ Dinner-Dance, the CSJ will honor two committed individuals – Dr. Joseph Tursi, Professor Emeritus, Stony Brook University, Director of Foreign Language Education and recipient of many accolades and awards for his contributions to Language Education and Dr. Emelise Aleandri, a Cornaro Award recipient, for her contributions to the Italian American Theater. They are both positive role models for all of us.
We plan to celebrate our 27th NYS CSJ – B’nai B’rith Breakfast of Solidarity, during which Lehman-LaGuardia Awards, will be presented to Howard S. Maier, Chairman of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County and his wife, Dr. Margaret Cuomo. The breakfast will be held at the Woodlands in Woodbury, NY. We look forward to another successful event.
The NYS and National CSJ/OSIA, and the MetroNorth Region of B’nai B’rith International are currently circulating notices of our seventh jointly sponsored writing contest entitled "2008 Enlighten America - Enlighten the World Youth Essay Award." New York State demographics indicate changes in the ethnic makeup of our population. Students are asked to address the following topic: “How has diversity enhanced or broadened your experiences in your school and in your community?”
Three prizes offered are: First - $500. U.S. Savings Bond; Second - $250 U.S. Savings Bond; Third - $100 -US Savings Bond. A certificate of participation will be issued to every student submitting an essay. We welcome essay submissions from all high school students. Submission deadline: April 15, 2008. Winners will be declared by May 24, 2008.
I was again contacted by the Italian American Labor Council to participate in a panel discussion, at their annual meeting, which was held on Thursday, November 8, 2007 in New York City. The topic of the panel will be Italian Immigration – Past and Present. I was also invited to attend their annual dinner dance, at Terrace at the Park the following day. Last year I participated at their annual meeting, discussing the Italian Internment. Participation in these meetings also gives us the opportunity to speak about OSIA – CSJ and our activities. Unfortunately, a family medical emergency prevented me from attending either event. However, I was able to email my notes and contribution to the panel discussion to the coordinator of these events. I would like to point out at this time, that I obtained most of the information utilized in the development of my contribution to this panel – Contributions of the early Italian Immigrants from a series of video- tapes borrowed from our Video Tape Library entitled, “The Trilogy: The Italians and the Creating of America.”
District I – Chairman Rick Annichiarico is developing an Anti-Stereotyping and Bias Reduction Program, to teach children about bias and bigotry. The program includes six lessons, commencing with the Introduction; Making Assumptions; Stereotyping; Discrimination: How Rumors Can Hurt Others and Diversity Appreciation. The program is modeled after the Anti-Defamation League’s “A World of Difference Institute – Elementary Program. District II – Chairman, Lee Cerullo and the District II Liaisons have completed an Italian American Writer’s poster. District III– District Chairperson, Josephine Truglio and District III liaisons are presently revising and updating our CSJ pamphlet. District IV– Chairperson, Felicia Bonvino is working in her District by visiting various lodges and keeping them informed of CSJ activities. She keeps us apprized of activities in District IV by sending copies of news articles of interest to us. She also researching elementary schools that have incorporated Italian Language programs as part of their curriculum. District V– Sal Marasa, District V Chairman, advised that the Filippo Mazzei Lodge arranges to have positive image displays at various local libraries and public areas during Italian Heritage Month. In 1972 Sal Marasa was instrumental in placing the statue of Christopher Columbus in the Rockland County Courthouse in honor of Italian Americans and their contributions to our country. Every year in October, all of the District V OSIA Lodges, other Italian American Organizations, New York State and Rockland County elected officials and Judges, participate in a formal rededication ceremony at the Courthouse. The ceremony includes a Presentation of a Wreath, Knights of Columbus Color Guard; remarks by prominent officials; and an essay on Columbus, read by the Clarkstown Clerk. Districts VI and VII– We are seeking a District Chairperson in these two districts. We have had some volunteers to participate as Liaisons and have written to them and have provided them with CSJ Liaison information. Carmine Federico has been working with our liaisons in District VII. We appreciate Brother Federico’s assistance. District VIII– Lou Giambra, is working in his District by maintaining contact with the Lodges and keeping them apprised of CSJ activities.
Dr. Salvatore LaLima is currently working on a presentation to send to local colleges regarding our programs, in conjunction with Dr. Salvatore LaGumina.
We are continuing our efforts to promote and distribute this wonderful positive image video to lodges, state CSJ’s, military groups, and other interested parties around the country. The videos have been purchased all over the country with many OSIA groups, military groups, etc. We encourage the showing of the 6-minute promo tape and the sale of the video documentary, when displaying the Congressional Medal of Honor Program. The cost of the tape has been reduced to $5.00 plus $2.50 for postage and handling.
Our video-tape library has been categorized and shelved at the Garibaldi Meucci Museum. We have developed a system for the tapes to be loaned to lodges, organizations and individuals. We welcome donations of video-tapes and DVD’s appropriate to our collection. The complete listing can be downloaded from our web site, together with rental information, www.nyscsj-osia.org/ We encourage Lodges and other organizations to utilize the films in this collection.
The CSJ is continually developing and distributing our positive image material to teachers, filial lodges and members. We still are receiving requests for our Women’s Posters from teachers in anticipation of Women’s History Month. We provide positive image material to teachers at no cost to them, to be used as teacher’s aids. We encourage our Lodges to also distribute positive image material to libraries, local schools and community based activities.
CSJ was again contacted by a Hofstra University student seeking information for a term paper she was preparing. She had emailed me a very comprehensive list of questions concerning OSIA and the CSJ. She commenced her request by stating, “This issue is very important to me and I want to do my best in relaying a positive image to my fellow students about the Organization.” We did our best to respond to her questions, referred her to our OSIA and CSJ web-sites and offered her our positive image material. It’s encouraging that students are interested in knowing what we are all about. CSJ is developing methods of reaching out to local college students.
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